Dinoprostone is a naturally occurring prostaglandin E2. It is effective for induction of labor, for cervical ripening, as an abortifacient, for postpartum hemorrhage, and for uterine atony.

Dinoprostone, the naturally occurring prostaglandin E2, stimulates uterine smooth muscle and also produces cervical dilation and softening.

Following vaginal insertion of dinoprostone suppositories, most of the drug slowly diffuses into the maternal blood. Dinoprostone is widely distributed in the mother and is rapidly metabolized in the maternal lungs, kidneys, spleen, and other tissues, primarily by oxidation of the side chains to at least 9 inactive metabolites. The drug and its metabolites are excreted principally in urine but small amounts are excreted in feces.

Hypersensitivity; pelvic inflammatory disease; extrauterine pregnancy; active cardiac, pulmonary, renal, or hepatic disease; history of cesarean section or traumatic delivery, cephalopelvic disproportion, non-vertex presentation, fetal distress, patients with ruptured membranes, hypertonic or hyperactive uterine patterns, placenta previa, unexplained vaginal bleeding during current pregnancy, patients for whom vaginal delivery is contraindicated, multiparity with 6 or more previous term pregnancies

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Prostaglandins are excreted in breast milk. This is not expected to be a hazard given the circumstances in which the product is used.

Nausea, vomiting (66%), diarrhea, skin discoloration, unpleasant taste, dyspnea, and hyperpyrexia.

One tablet to be inserted high into the posterior fornix. A second tablet may be inserted after six to eight hours if labour is not established. Maximum dose 6 mg.